Recommended Tourist Spots in Hinohara Village – Where is the Only Village in Tokyo with Hot Springs!

Did you know there is a village in Tokyo? Hinohara Village, located in Nishitama District, is the only village in Tokyo, excluding the Izu and Ogasawara Islands. Surrounded by rich nature, Hinohara Village is just a day trip away from central Tokyo, attracting many visitors for weekend drives and leisure activities.
Hinohara Village also features hot springs such as "Kazuma no Yu" and "Ja no Yu Onsen Takara-so," where visitors can relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. In this guide, we introduce access information and recommended sightseeing spots, including "Hossawa Falls" and "Tomin no Mori." Use this guide to help plan your sightseeing route or travel itinerary.

About Hinohara Village – Where Is It Locate?

Hinohara Village, as introduced earlier, is the only village located in Tokyo. It is the third-largest municipality in terms of area, following Okutama Town and Hachioji City. With a population of about 2,200 people, it has fewer residents than even some island villages like Ogasawara.

The village is covered mostly by forests, making it a rich natural environment. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom beautifully, while summer attracts campers. Autumn offers spectacular foliage, and in winter, Hossawa Falls may freeze, creating a magical scene.
The village is divided into two major routes—Fujikura (North Akikawa Valley) and Kazuma (South Akikawa Valley)—with bus routes following these paths. While there are small shops, larger supermarkets and convenience stores are not available, so it’s recommended to stock up in nearby Akiruno City before visiting.

Must-See Waterfalls Like "Hossawa Falls"

Hossawa Falls is a magnificent waterfall recognized as one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls. The powerful streams create a misty spray, rich in negative ions, providing a refreshing experience. During winter, the falls sometimes freeze, creating a stunning icy landscape.

▼Waterfall Meditation (Takigyo)

Visitors can also try waterfall meditation at nearby Kuzuryu Falls and Ryujin Falls (available for groups of three or more, or individuals on holidays; fees apply). For details, check their website.

"Kanotoiwa" – A Spectacular Natural Monument Formed by the Earth

Kanotoiwa, towering about 100 meters high, is a stunning rock formation and one of Hinohara’s iconic sights. Its name is believed to derive from the nearby Otake Shrine, symbolizing a gateway to sacred grounds. Formed over 250 million years, Kanotoiwa represents nature’s art shaped by time, offering a glimpse into Earth’s ancient past.

Experience Traditional Countryside Life at "Hinohara Village Folk Museum"

The Hinohara Village Folk Museum showcases the area’s history, including its role as a defensive stronghold with the former Hinohara Castle. Visitors can also learn about traditional farming and silk production.

▼Kobayashi House in Fujikura

Located deeper in the Fujikura area, the "Kobayashi House" preserves the atmosphere of the 18th century and is designated as an Important Cultural Property. Accessible via a private monorail, a reservation is required to visit this historic site. Imagining the effort it took to reach this area before the monorail existed adds to its historical charm.

The Warmth of Wood at Hinohara Forest Toy Museum

Opened in November 2021, this museum focuses on interactive experiences. Children can play with wooden toys in a paid zone, while adults can relax at the café "Satoyama Shokudo" or browse souvenirs at "CruChoi."

Henbori’s Cherry Blossoms

Henbori (written as "Hitozato") is a charming area with beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in autumn. Traditional houses with steep roofs create a nostalgic atmosphere.

Enjoy Outdoor Activities in Hinohara Village

Hinohara offers various outdoor activities, including Fishing, the Kanoto International Trout Fishing Area, and Camping, and BBQ, Glamping facilities like "FUREAI" offer unique experiences.

▼Tokyo Citizen’s Forest in Hinohara Village

Located near the Yamanashi Prefecture border, the "Tokyo Citizen’s Forest" in Hinohara offers a variety of hands-on experiences such as woodworking and charcoal-making, as well as hiking opportunities.

Recommended Hot Springs in the Kazuma District

One of the highlights of sightseeing in Hinohara Village is its hot springs. Recommended spots include "Kazuma no Yu" and "Ja no Yu Onsen Takara-so," both located in the Kazuma area before reaching the Tokyo Citizen’s Forest.
Kazuma no Yu features simple alkaline hot spring water and offers not only open-air baths but also sauna facilities, making it a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate after a day of travel.

▼Ja no Yu Onsen Takara-so

Ja no Yu Onsen Takara-so is a charming inn near the Kazuma bus stop, notable for its thatched roof. It also welcomes day-use visitors. Known as a hidden gem, this hot spring is said to have healed the wounds of a giant snake, giving rise to its name and adding a mythical charm to its relaxing atmosphere.

Local Gourmet Experiences

As the only village on Tokyo’s mainland, Hinohara offers many gourmet spots that make use of its natural surroundings. Be sure to try handmade soba, coffee brewed with pristine water, and bread made from locally sourced ingredients.

◆Miyama

This specialty shop is open for only three hours a day, serving handmade soba with a strong texture, made using Hinohara’s pure water. The flavor is truly authentic.

◆Café Seseragi

Located inside the Hinohara Village Office, this café is run by a master with 35 years of experience in Ginza. The coffee, made with Hinohara’s water, is highly acclaimed.

Mori no Puu

This bakery specializes in products made with ingredients from Hinohara Village. Their signature items include bread featuring locally grown maitake mushrooms and mushroom-topped pizza bread.

Access to Hinohara Village

Hinohara Village does not have any train service. The nearest station is Musashi-Itsukaichi Station on the JR Itsukaichi Line. From there, visitors can take a Nishi-Tokyo Bus route or a taxi to reach the village.
For those who prefer more flexibility, renting a car in nearby areas such as Akiruno is also recommended, allowing for more efficient travel time.

Train & Bus

Hinohara Village does not have any train service. To get there from central Tokyo, take the JR Chuo Line or Oume Line and transfer at Tachikawa or Haijima to the JR Itsukaichi Line, heading to Musashi-Itsukaichi Station. From Musashi-Itsukaichi Station, visitors need to take a Nishi-Tokyo Bus. Bus routes split into two directions—one heading towards Fujikura and the other towards Kazuma and the Tokyo Citizen’s Forest. Buses to the Motoyuku area run approximately every 30 minutes, but buses to Fujikura or Kazuma operate only once every 1–2 hours, so checking the schedule in advance is recommended. For those who prefer more flexibility, renting a car in nearby areas such as Akiruno is also recommended, allowing for more efficient travel time.

Car

The nearest interchanges are the Akiruno Interchange and Hinode Interchange on the Ken-O Expressway, both about 30 minutes from Hinohara Village. Additionally, the Hachioji Interchange on the Chuo Expressway and the Uenohara Interchange, accessible via the Kobotoke Tunnel, are convenient routes to Kazuma District. The Okutama Loop Road, which connects Hinohara Village to Okutama Town, is a recommended route for driving and touring. However, please note that the Okutama Loop Road is closed during nighttime hours.

Looking for Souvenirs from Hinohara Village?

Visiting the only village on Tokyo's mainland means you'll want to take home some souvenirs! For souvenirs from Hinohara Village, we recommend the specialty goods store "Yamabukiya", directly operated by the Hinohara Village Tourism Association, and "Hinohara Factory", located near the Toy Museum.

Hinohara Village is famous for its potatoes. At "Yamabukiya", you can find fresh vegetables and wild plants delivered directly from local farms, as well as unique potato-based products like potato shochu (Japanese distilled liquor) and potato ice cream. Meanwhile, "Hinohara Factory" features a shochu distillery, a café, and even an eat-in area.

Take a Relaxing Tour of the Only Village in Tokyo!

We hope you’ve discovered just how much charm the only village on Tokyo’s mainland has to offer. During the COVID-19 pandemic, micro-tourism gained popularity, and Hinohara Village serves as a reminder that such stunning natural beauty still exists in Tokyo. We’d be delighted if you keep this wonderful place in mind for your next trip!